Housing scheme sunk
by flood fears
by David Skentelbery
COUNCILLORS have thrown out proposals for a major housing development on farmland at Penketh, near Warrington after hearing it involves an area subject to repeated flooding.
Members of the borough council’s development control committee refused permission for the scheme off Hall Nook, close to centuries old Penketh Hall Farm.
More than 60 nearby residents had lodged objections – some complaining that their gardens were regularly flooded.
The Environment Agency did not object, but confirmed that the area was subject to one-in-100 years flooding from Penketh Brook. Flood prevention work would be required.
Mr John Miller, of the Penketh Action Group said the area was already grossly over-developed. Warrington as a whole had sufficient land for housing until 2011.
Properties in Hall Nook and nearby Manston Road were regularly flooded and the development, together with essential road widening, would worsen the flood problem.
Coun Linda Dirir said the project would have a damaging impact on listed farm buildings dating from 1215.
Coun Fiona Bruce pointed out that nearby gardens were already flooded by storm water and sewage. Protected trees could be damaged by road widening.
Planning officer John Groves said the site was not in the green belt, although it was greenfield land.
Coun Les Hoyle commented: “If we allow this it will destroy the ‘buffer’ zone between Warrington and Widnes.
Positive action earns
Wolves a victory
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON Wolves picked have up the award for “Best North West Sports and Community Involvement” at the Positive Action Awards held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Positive Action Awards were developed as a result of work undertaken throughout Europe by members of the management teams of Warrington Disability Partnership and Disability Awareness Day.
While attending conferences, exchange visits and in communication with hundreds of organisations they promoted, as good practice the partnership and innovative work undertaken in the North West by employers, service providers, support groups and individuals.
The aim of the Positive Action Awards is to provide an opportunity for disabled people and carers living in the region to nominate employers, businesses, service providers or individuals that deserve recognition for promoting independence, delivering accessible and/or inclusive services, or maintaining exemplary employment practices for disabled people and/or carers.
Sponsors for the inaugural awards were the North West Development Agency.
The Wolves won their award on the back of the Halliwell Jones Stadium which opened in February and features a wide range of facilities to make it accessible for disabled spectators.
Wolves chief executive Andy Gatcliffe said: “We the club are absolutely delighted to win this award.”
He thanked Dave Thompson, chairman of Warrington Disability Partnership, for help and assistance he had given to ensure the new stadium could be enjoyed by all by being “disabled-friendly.”
Students were “in the pink”
WARRINGTON students ‘were in the pink’ for a fund-raising charity day.
The students of Priestley College set up a stall and offered only pink goods for sale.
Fellow students and staff faced fines if they failed to wear some form of pink clothing.
The event raised ?500 for campaigning to raise awareness of breast cancer, which affects one in nine women.
College spokeswoman, Bev Whittaker, said: “The students enjoyed the day and the college community really got behind what we were trying to achieve”.
Meals supervisors
serve up a winner
by Terry Johnson
TWELVE school meals supervisors at Warrington are to be presented with NVQ certificates.
Aim of the 20-week course was to raise food preparation and cooking skills, develop staff and improve job satisfaction.
Town catering manager, Gordon Carson, said: “The catering industry generally – and in particular school meals catering in the UK – has been hugely de-skilled over the past 10-15 years. But times are changing.
“I see a need to reintroduce basic catering skills into the workplace and increase the level of fresh and home-prepared food on school menus.
“Obesity and healthy eating is high on the NHS and education agendas. We will tackle the issue head-on so that Warrington schoolchildren can benefit.”
MPs salute new law which
protects Christmas Day
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON’S two MPs Helen Jones and Helen Southworth, have saluted a new law which gives most shopworkers at least one day off at Christmas.
“Even Scrooge gave his staff Christmas Day off”, declared Ms Jones, the Warrington North MP who has campaigned for two years for all large stores to close on December 25.
Mrs Southworth, in Warrington South, added: “This should ensure that Christmas Day remains special for us all and doesn’t become just another shopping day.”
The Christmas Day(Trading) Bill was backed by shopworkers’ union, USDAW.
Mrs Jones said: “Staff in retail stores work exceptionally long hours in the run-up to Christmas. This new law should provide them at least Christmas Day off to spend with their families.
“That is important for everyone – especially for people with children. A society that defines itself only by how it shops is a very poor one indeed.”
USDAW general secretary John Hannett said: “We are very grateful to Helen Southworth and Helen Jones and all other MPs who helped us to make sure Christmas Day is protected. I would like to thank them on behalf of the millions of shopworkers and their families who will benefit from this legislation.”
Suspicious death
DETECTIVES are investigating the death of a man who was found with serious head injuries at his home on Cottesmore Way in Golborne.
The 38-year-old was rushed to hospital where, despite the efforts of doctors, he died shortly afterwards.
The death is being treated as suspicious and investigations are ongoing.
